A former professional football official has accused her employer of persistent gender discrimination, harassment, and retaliation that she claims derailed her career in one of the country’s most prominent sports organizations. According to a complaint filed on March 27, 2026 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by Robin DeLorenzo against the National Football League (NFL), Walter Anderson, and Byron Boston, the plaintiff alleges that public commitments to diversity were not upheld when it came to her treatment as one of only three women ever hired as an on-field official.
The lawsuit was brought by Robin DeLorenzo through her attorneys at Magarian & DiMercurio (pro hac vice pending) and Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C., naming the NFL as well as two supervisors—Walter Anderson, former Senior Vice President of Officiating for the NFL, and Byron Boston, who served as her trainer. The filing details claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL), and New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).
DeLorenzo reports that after being hired in April 2022 following a distinguished officiating career at high school and collegiate levels—including breaking several barriers as a woman—she faced immediate challenges within the NFL. She alleges that from her first day she was subjected to “gender-based scrutiny, humiliation, disparate training, unequal gear, and open hostility.” Specific incidents cited include repeated comments about how she should wear her hair to appear more feminine on the field; being required to purchase men’s uniforms due to lack of appropriate gear; enduring harsh treatment from crew leaders; and being forced into humiliating situations such as singing in front of entire teams during training camps.
The complaint describes a pattern where complaints made by DeLorenzo about inappropriate conduct were allegedly ignored or led to further mistreatment. She states that grading systems used for performance evaluations were controlled by those who had shown bias against her. For example, Anderson is described as having “the last say in every grade,” which gave him significant influence over her career progression. DeLorenzo also recounts being forced to attend a college-level clinic for additional training—a requirement not imposed on male officials—which she characterizes as punitive rather than developmental.
Throughout three seasons with different crews between 2022 and 2025, DeLorenzo claims she was denied equal support compared to male colleagues. She alleges that even after filing grievances about these issues—with some resulting in partial remedies such as reimbursement for clinic expenses—the damage to her reputation and mental health was already done. In February 2025 she was terminated from employment with what she contends were pretextual reasons based on flawed evaluations.
The complaint further states that after termination there were public statements made by NFL representatives suggesting they helped restore her college officiating position—claims which DeLorenzo says are false and have caused additional humiliation. She also notes that while male officials received support transitioning into other leagues or roles after their time with the NFL ended, similar opportunities were not extended to her despite requests.
DeLorenzo’s legal arguments assert violations of federal law (Title VII) along with state laws in both New York and New Jersey due to substantial connections between her employment duties—including officiating games at MetLife Stadium—and those jurisdictions. The suit seeks declaratory relief stating that defendants’ actions violated anti-discrimination statutes; injunctive relief requiring changes in policies; reinstatement or placement into positions lost due to alleged unlawful conduct; compensatory damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; attorney fees; interest; tax-related damages stemming from any award; and any other relief deemed proper by the court.
The case is represented by attorneys Anne L. Clark and Emily Bass of Vladeck, Raskin & Clark P.C., under case number 1:26-cv-02546.
Source: 126cv2546_Robin_Delorenzo_v_National_Football_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
